"It was almost embarrassing, we all had a laugh.

"But the well wishes have really blown me away. I've had emails from opposition players, clubs and there have been coaches who have rang up during the week.

"This could possibly be my last season, so I'm savouring every moment."

The Tigers celebrated the milestone, albeit a week late, with festivities at their den on Saturday.

There is no doubt Ryan has never changed his stripes.

His first football home was at Yarra Glen where his father played and where Ryan would play with 70 kids, offspring of players and club types, after the match each Saturday.

Ryan played his first game for Woori at the age of six and has been there ever since, apart from a stint at the Eastern Ranges and one season with Box Hill.

"The club is a comfort. I love the history of the club and the people you meet along the way," he said.

"Other clubs might say it's a terrible place, but I absolutely love it."

His honour roll is as star-studded as they come in this league.

Three hundred and one games, three premierships (two as captain and one as coach), league medallist, four-time club best and fairest winner and eight interleague appearances.

But coaching has provided the ultimate challenge despite Ryan winning a flag in his first year in the job last season.

"It's really difficult. It's hard dropping kids," he said.

"Thursday nights I absolutely dread. I've always got on well with everyone but you can only pick 22 players a week and unfortunately some miss out.

"I find that really hard.

"It's one of the hardest things I've ever done, but one of the most enjoyable."

Wife Brooke, sons Jack and Hunter and daughter Linley have played key supporting roles.

"My wife is an absolute star when it comes to footy. I've had a few friends who have finished up because their partners have wanted them to but I've played so long because Brooke has allowed me to and provided the support," he said.

Tigers premiership coach Damian Monkhorst said Ryan was the best captain in the club's history.

"I first saw Danny play in the under-9s and watching him over the years I soon saw leadership material and appointed him captain of the seniors at an early age," he said.

"We had a captain/coach relationship which was tested at time, but we always worked through it. He has great camaraderie with his peers but sometimes can be too cheeky for the coach.

"One game that stands out for me where he showed great leadership, was the 2010 premiership, when he kicked the first goal against Gembrook and set the scene for the rest of the game."

Club president Gerry Donovan said Ryan was a credit to his family and the club.

"Woori Yallock has had many great players and Danny is certainly up there at the top," Donovan said.

"His integrity is paramount in his dealings with players and club members in general.

"We are extremely fortunate that Danny has displayed such loyalty to the club over so many successful years."

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